Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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Spencer Strider has been added to the Atlanta Braves starting rotation and looks the part against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
About Spencer Strider: Braves Star Pitcher
But who is Spencer Strider? Well, for starters, he is a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 26, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Strider played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers before being selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
High School and College Career
Spencer Strider attended Christian Academy of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, for high school. During his time there, he played both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities.
For college, Strider played for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University in South Carolina. He pitched for Clemson’s baseball team for three seasons (2018–2020), where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.
Although his college career was affected by injuries, he showed great promise and was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Pro Baseball Career
Strider is known for his strong fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating slider. He made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his impressive strikeout ability. He became a key part of the Braves’ pitching staff, contributing significantly to their rotation and bullpen.
In 2022, Strider had a breakout season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, largely due to his exceptional strikeout numbers and effectiveness on the mound. He’s often praised for his poise, work ethic, and the dominance he brings as a pitcher. His rise has been one of the more exciting stories in recent MLB seasons.
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The Atlanta Falcons are releasing one of its top stalwart defensive ends, Grady Jarrett. The news comes from several NFL insiders, citing Grady’s sports agent Todd France.
Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, team captain and Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, may have laced up his cleats for the Dirty Birds for the last time.
He was due to make $16.25 million this upcoming season, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo.
Grady Jarrett: Falcons Star Being Released
Jarrett, a defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, has been one of the team’s most consistent and dominant defenders since being drafted in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Clemson.
Career Highlights:
- Super Bowl LI Performance (2016 Season): Jarrett had a breakout moment in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots, tying a Super Bowl record with three sacks of Tom Brady.
- Pro Bowl Selections: He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice (2019, 2020) for his outstanding play.
- Team Leader: A cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense, Jarrett has been known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, tallying numerous sacks and tackles for loss throughout his career.
- Contract Extension: In 2019, he signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension, reaffirming his status as a franchise player.
- Injury Setback: His 2023 season was cut short due to an ACL tear in Week 8, a significant loss for the Falcons’ defense.
Playing Style:
Jarrett is renowned for his quick first step, relentless motor, and strong technique, making him a force against both the run and the pass. Despite being considered undersized for a defensive tackle (around 6’0″, 305 lbs), he has excelled with his agility and power.
Final Word
Jarrett remains one of the most respected players on the Falcons’ roster and continues to be a key leader for the franchise. Where will he end up? It’s hard to tell, but we’re confident it won’t be with the New Orleans Saints.
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Fresh off a disappointing season that ended with him getting benched, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has requested a meeting with owner Arthur Blank.
According to news reports, Cousins has a desire to start for, potentially, another team this season.
Of course, we still don’t know if Blank will agree to the meeting or whether the Falcons have a desire to part with the veteran signal caller.
If the Falcons are willing to trade Cousins, what teams would make sense?
NFL Trade Scenarios: Where Could Kirk Cousins End Up?
If Kirk Cousins were to be traded from the Atlanta Falcons, there are several NFL teams where he could potentially land, based on current team needs and quarterback situations. Here are five possible destinations:
Cleveland Browns
With uncertainty around their quarterback situation, the Browns could look for a veteran presence like Cousins to stabilize their offense.
Tennessee Titans
As they seek to rejuvenate their roster, the Titans might consider Cousins as an upgrade to their quarterback position, especially if they are looking towards a more balanced offensive strategy.
Indianapolis Colts
With their current struggles at the quarterback position, the Colts could view Cousins as a reliable option who can help them compete in the division.
New York Jets
The Jets have been searching for consistent quarterback play, and bringing in a seasoned player like Cousins could provide them with the experience and leadership they need.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers might be interested in Cousins if they decide to move on from their current quarterback situation, looking for a player who can create a more effective and stable offense.
These potential landing spots are based on each team’s current roster needs and future ambitions, with Cousins recognized as a capable quarterback who could contribute positively to a new team’s success.
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The design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is stunning, combining modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete with dynamic shapes and open spaces.
The shining jewel of the downtown Atlanta skyline, Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues to draw crowds just to witness the sheer spectacle of it all. Not only was the venue the home of Super Bowl LIII, but it has hosted world-class events
Here’s what to know about state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Everything You Need To Know About Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened on August 26, 2017 with a Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. When it opened, the venue was crazy cool, but the retractable roof system was inoperable at the time.
Everything you need to know about Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium is run by AMB Group,a consortium that is under the tutelage of Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, the pro soccer club.Speaking of the NFL team, the stadium was built to replace the Georgia Dome, the Falcons’ home stadium from 1992 until 2016.
Here’s what to know about the coolest features at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1. When Was Mercedes-Benz Stadium Built?
The stadium was conceptualized in 2014 when city officials and billionaire Arthur Blank agreed on plans for a new sports venue. The stadium began construction in 2017 and opened up a year later.
2. How Much Did Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cost?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium cost $1.6 billion to build. The price tag raised some brows not only around Atlanta, but across the country.
Even with its high cost, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not the most expansive stadium in the United States. That distinction belongs to two Western structures. In California, Los Angeles Stadium costs $2.66 billion. No. 2 on the list is Las Vegas Raiders Stadium, which comes in at $2.4 billion.
3. Does Mercedes-Benz Stadium Have A Retractable Roof?
The retractable roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the venue’s most famous features. When the stadium opened to the public, the roof didn’t retract, but they have since fixed it.
The eight-panel retractable roof that resembled a pinwheel, but what few observers notice is that the eight triangular translucent panels create the illusion of a bird’s wings extended when it’s opened.
The stadium features a retractable roof with a unique “pinwheel” design. The roof is made of eight movable panels that open and close like the petals of a flower. This is a visually striking design and provides a cool, flexible experience for both outdoor and indoor events.
When it’s fully opened, the roof provides a wide-open view of the sky and the Atlanta skyline, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy features of the stadium.
4. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Has The Lowest Prices Of Any Major Sports Venue
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in fall 2017, one of the main selling points was the fact that its concessions prices were super low. Those low prices extend to all events at the stadium, from concerts to Atlanta United games, Falcons games and more. In 2018, food prices at the stadium dropped even lower. Stadium brass also said that a low “domestically priced” craft beer would go on sale.
5. MercBenz Has The World’s Largest Video Board
The stadium has the claim to fame as having the largest video board in the world. This is the largest LED video display on Earth. It technological masterpiece was designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. There are also more than 82,500 square feet of video displays around the stadium.
Last Words
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become top gem in the sports world.
It’s a true architectural masterpiece and has been recognized for its innovation and beauty.Design flexibility allows the stadium to be easily adapted for different events, meaning that every game or concert feels unique in the way it’s experienced.
Since fall 2017, MercBenz has hosted several major sports events, including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the SEC Championship Game and the College Football National Championship Game. This is the first Super Bowl, but not the last. The stadium is booked for events through the next few years, including concerts like Beyonce, Jay Z and more.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot faced the media on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2025, days after the team lost its final game with a chance to go to the NFL playoffs.
Fontenot was asked several wide-ranging questions about the future of the franchise, which went 8-9 over season, dropping six of its last eight games.
“We understand that we let the fans down and we didn’t do enough this year and it’s disappointing. We know they deserve better,” Fontenot said at the Falcons training facility at Flowery Branch. “There’s no words I can say right now, it’s all about the results.”
Fontenot Plans To Keep Cousins As Backup QB
One of the more hot-topic questions was what he felt about Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who Fontenot signed for $180 million over four years.
“We are very comfortable with Kirk as the backup,” Fontenot said.
He went on to say that he would begin evaluating the assistant and position coaches “today” and that everyone would be looked at. “We’re doing everything we can this offseason to put us in position next year to win more football games and put this team in position to be a consistent winner.”
Cousins’ contract has become a sore spot for Atlanta fans and those who want the team to build from the draft and free agency.
Kirk Cousins’ Falcons Contract: A Breakdown
Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons on March 11, 2024.
The key details of the contract include:
- Guaranteed Money: $100 million guaranteed, with a $50 million signing bonus.
- 2024 Salary: Fully guaranteed.
- 2025 Salary: Fully guaranteed at $27.5 million.
- 2026 and 2027 Roster Bonuses: $10 million due on the 5th day of the league year for each respective year.
In the 2024 season, Cousins was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after a series of underwhelming performances.
Despite this, Fontenot, has expressed comfort in retaining Cousins as a high-paid backup for the 2025 season.
Releasing Cousins before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 12, 2025, would result in significant financial implications for the Falcons. A post-June 1 release designation could spread the cap hit over two years, potentially easing the financial burden.
As of now, the Falcons are adhering to their original plan with Cousins, keeping him under contract while exploring all available options
Head Coach Raheem Morris told fans the previous week that he was big enough to take the heat for the team’s failure to make the playoffs.
“Guys who fear failure never have success. I’m not gonna be considered that guy…,” he said. “I’ve got big shoulders. I can take the criticism. It’s fair criticism. I apologize to our fans for not getting it done, but I promise we’ll get it done soon.”
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The Georgia Bulldogs ended their season with a 23-10 loss against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This matchup was part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and it marked a notable upset as Notre Dame entered the game as the third seed against the second-seeded Bulldogs.
Riley Leonard, the quarterback for Notre Dame, had a strong performance, throwing for one touchdown.
There was a remarkable moment in the game when Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown, contributing significantly to the Irish’s scoring.
If you watch the Georgia Bulldogs, you’ll see a really good college football team.
Date Opponent Time and Location Ticket Info / Score Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 Clemson Tigers 12 pm Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 34-3 Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 1 pm Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 48-3 Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 Kentucky Wildcats Kroger Field Parking Lot, Lexington, KY W 13-12 Saturday, Sept. 28 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala. L 34-41 Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 Auburn Tigers Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 31-13 Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 Mississippi State Bulldogs Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 41-31 Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 Texas Longhorns Texas Memorial Stadium; Austin, TX W 30-15 Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 Florida Gators 3:30 p.m., Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fl W 34-20 Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 Ole Miss Rebels Vaught Hemingway Stadium; Oxford, MS L 10-28 Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 Tennessee Volunteers Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 31-17 Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 UMass Minutemen Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 59-21 Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. W 44-42 OT Dec 7, 2024 Texas Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA. W 22-19 Jan 3, 2025 Notre Dame Caesars Superdome, Ne Orleans, La. L 23-10 How Did Georgia Win the SEC in 2024?
The Georgia Bulldogs football team won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title in 2024 through an impressive season marked by a combination of strong performances, strategic gameplay, and a talented roster. Here are the key points that contributed to their success: 1. **Outstanding Regular Season Performance**: Georgia finished the regular season with a remarkable record, showcasing their dominance in the SEC.
Strong Defense
Georgia is known for having a robust defensive unit, and the 2024 season was no different. The defense was effective at stopping the run and pressuring opposing quarterbacks, leading to critical turnovers and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities, especially in tight games against Kentucky, Texas and Georgia Tech.
Key Injuries and Depth
Aside from losing starting signal caller Carson Beck in the Texas game, Georgia had largely managed to avoid significant injuries to key players, and their depth allowed them to maintain a high level of performance even in challenging situations.
Coaching and Strategy
Georgia Coach Kirby Smart is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the SEC for several reasons:
The coaching staff’s strategy and in-game adjustments played a significant role in Georgia’s success. Effective game plans tailored to exploit opponents’ weaknesses contributed to their championship victory.
1. Championship Success
- National Championships: Kirby Smart led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, breaking a 40-year title drought for the Bulldogs. Winning at the highest level solidifies his reputation as an elite coach.
- SEC Championships: Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has won multiple SEC Championships, most recently in 2022. Competing at the top of one of the most challenging conferences in college football is a key indicator of his coaching prowess.
2. Recruiting Excellence
- Top Recruiting Classes: Smart has consistently brought in top-tier recruiting classes, often ranked among the best in the nation. This ability to attract and develop talent is a cornerstone of his success and shows his strong recruiting network and skills.
- Player Development: Many of Smart’s recruits have gone on to become high NFL draft picks, demonstrating his effectiveness in developing talent at the college level.
3. Defensive Mastermind
- Defensive Expertise: Before becoming a head coach, Smart was a defensive coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he established himself as a defensive mastermind. His defenses at Georgia have been some of the best in the country, known for their toughness and discipline.
- Consistent Performance: Georgia’s defense under Smart has consistently ranked among the top in various defensive statistics, which is a testament to his ability to coach and prepare his teams.
4. Program Building
- Culture and Identity: Smart has successfully built a winning culture at Georgia, emphasizing discipline, resilience, and teamwork. His leadership has transformed Georgia into a perennial national contender.
- Sustained Success: Since taking over in 2016, Smart has led Georgia to consistent top-tier performances, including multiple College Football Playoff appearances and SEC East titles, establishing Georgia as a powerhouse in college football.
5. Coaching Tree
- Influence and Mentorship: Smart’s coaching tree is beginning to grow, with several of his former assistants moving on to head coaching positions. This spread of his coaching philosophy throughout college football further enhances his reputation.
Kirby Smart’s combination of championship success, elite recruiting, defensive acumen, and ability to build and sustain a top-tier program has earned him widespread respect and recognition as one of the best coaches in the SEC and in college football as a whole.
Georgia 2024 Season Recap
Game 1: Georgia 34, Clemson 3
Georgia had too much power on both offense and defense as the Bulldogs ran through the Tigers in the first game of the season. Georgia signal caller Carson Beck threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 1 Georgia whipped 14th-ranked Clemson on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Week 2: Georgia 48, Tennessee Tech 3
UGA ran over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 48-3 on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 behind a strong game from quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for 242 yards and five touchdowns. See the highlights below.
Week 3: Georgia 13, Kentucky 12
Georgia edged Kentucky in a tough environment in Lexington on a cool Saturday night on Sept. 14. In the last 5 seasons, Georgia has been held below 20 points on the road 3 times: – 16 points at Kentucky in 2022 – 14 points at Kentucky in 2020 – 13 points at Kentucky tonight Georgia is 3-0 in those games.
Week 5: UGA 34, Alabama 41
Georgia got behind 28-0 before rallying to take the lead with under 3 minutes left against the Alabama Crimson Tide, but a late touchdown was too much to overcome.
Week 6: Georgia 31, Auburn 13
Georgia and Auburn were close until the Bulldogs pulled away in the second half.
Week 7: UGA 41, Mississippi State 31
Dawgs quarterback Carson Beck threw for a career-high 459 yards and three touchdowns, helping Georgia hold off Mississippi State’s second-half comeback for a 41-31 victory on Saturday.
“He’s experienced,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart of the senior quarterback. “When the game gets tight, he stays cool and doesn’t panic.”
Georgia (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) occasionally played as if it were looking ahead to next week’s matchup against No. 1 Texas, but still had enough offensive firepower to secure its 28th consecutive home win.
The Bulldogs led 34-10 early in the second half, but freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., in just his second start, rallied Mississippi State (1-5, 0-3) with two quick touchdowns. His strong showing helped the Bulldogs finish the game on a 21-7 run, though it wasn’t enough to avoid their fifth straight loss.
Week 8: UGA 30, Texas 15
On Saturday, Oct. 19 has been marked on SEC calendars for months now, and it did not disappoint. No. 5 Georgia has knocked off No. 1 Texas, 30-15, leaving the SEC with no undefeated teams.
The first half was chaotic, featuring five turnovers between the two teams. Georgia’s offense took advantage, jumping out to a commanding 23-0 lead by halftime.
Texas quickly got on the board to start the second half, narrowing the gap to two scores. After a controversial sequence involving the referees, the Longhorns capitalized on an interception to cut the deficit to eight.
Trevor Etienne secured his third rushing touchdown of the night early in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory for Georgia. Although Texas managed to reach scoring distance multiple times, they struggled, finishing the game just 1-5 on fourth down.
Week 9: Georgia 36, Florida 20
The Georgia Bulldogs blew the game out in the second half against the Florida Gators, scoring 28 points in the second half on the way to a 34-20 victory in Gainesville on Nov 2.
Georgia 10, Ole Miss 28
Georgia has no answer for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and his scrambling ability.
Georgia 31, Tennessee 17
The Bulldogs got back into the winning column with a convincing win against the Tennessee Volunteers.
UGA 59, UMass 21
Georgia hosted the U-Mass Minutemen for homecoming, spanking them 59-21 on Nov. 23 in Athens.
Georgia 44, Georgia Tech 42 (OT)
In a thrilling game between state rivals, Georgia Bulldogs defeated he Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 44-42, in eight overtimes. 8 OTs are the second-most since rules were changed in 2021. Georgia also won their 31st-straight home game, tied for most in SEC history.
SEC Championship: Georgia 22, Texas 19
Texas’ first foray into the SEC pitted them against Georgia twice. This time, on Dec. 7, 2024 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, it was for all the marbles.
The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs upset the No. 2 Texas Longhorns, 22-19, in the first overtime game in SEC Championship history. UGA won it off a game-winning TD from star running back Trevor Etienne.
Georgia 10, Notre Dame 23
The Notre Dame defense played exceptionally well, holding Georgia to only 10 points and securing the victory. The game was tightly contested early on, tied at 3-3, before Notre Dame exploded for 17 points in a remarkable span of just 54 seconds.
This victory propelled Notre Dame into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, marking an important milestone as it was their first win against Georgia in their football history.
Final Word
Georgia faces a pumped-up SEC, with the addition of Texas to the schedule. National championship implications are nearly in play every week. Will you say it with me? GO DAWGS!
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The Georgia Bulldogs face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff game on New Year’s Day. The game will be played in downtown New Orleans and will be watched by millions of fans.
If you don’t have tickets to the game, you’ll want to watch it on TV. This article will show you how.
The Georgia Bulldogs regular schedule has been tough, but so are the Dawgs. But can the Irish pull out the win?How To Watch The Georgia Game
- Gameday: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025
- Teams: Georgia (11-2) vs. Notre Dame (12-1)
- Game time: 8:45 pm ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN+
- Streaming: FuboTV (Free Trial)
- Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, La)
Georgia-Notre Dame History
he football history between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is relatively limited but highly significant, as it includes memorable and historic matchups. Here’s a detailed look at their encounters:
All-Time Series
- Georgia Leads the Series 3-0
- The Bulldogs have won all three meetings against Notre Dame.
Key Matchups
- 1981 Sugar Bowl (January 1, 1981)
- Result: Georgia 17, Notre Dame 10
- Significance:
- This was the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
- Georgia, led by freshman running back Herschel Walker, secured the victory and claimed their first national championship.
- Walker rushed for 150 yards despite suffering a dislocated shoulder early in the game.
- Georgia’s defense held Notre Dame scoreless in the second half.
- Legacy: This game cemented Georgia as a powerhouse in college football.
- 2017 Regular Season (September 9, 2017)
- Result: Georgia 20, Notre Dame 19
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
- Significance:
- This was the first regular-season meeting between the two teams.
- Georgia’s freshman quarterback Jake Fromm led the Bulldogs to a narrow win.
- Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship made a crucial 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
- Georgia’s defense sealed the victory with a sack on Notre Dame’s final drive.
- The game marked a key moment in Georgia’s 2017 season, which ended with a trip to the national championship game.
- 2019 Regular Season (September 21, 2019)
- Result: Georgia 23, Notre Dame 17
- Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
- Significance:
- This game was one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, drawing a massive crowd and intense national attention.
- Georgia’s defense and running back D’Andre Swift played key roles in the victory.
- Notre Dame mounted a late comeback attempt but fell short when Georgia’s defense forced an incomplete pass on fourth down
Final Word
The Georgia Bulldogs, a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), tend to play a few games against smaller schools as part of their non-conference schedule. With the expansion of the conference, a tougher schedule means they can lose every week they play. But Kirby is ready.
Football is a religion in the South. Want to leave the house? Catch all the games at your favorite local bar.
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In his starting debut, rookie Michael Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and one interception, bringing the Atlanta Falcons’ record to 8-7 with two games remaining.
The Falcons are playing out their final games with rookie Penix under center. Can the young star keep the Falcons within reach of the NFC South? Can Bijan Robinson find enough holes against a stout run defense? And can about Kyle Pitts return to his old self? It’s getting too late to find out.
How Is the Falcons 2024 Season Going?
Let’s take a look at the Falcons’ 2024 opponents:
Opponents Time Tickets / Channel Regular Season Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET L10-18 Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 at 8:20 p.m. L 17-22 New Orleans Saints Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. W 26-24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 8:15 p.m. W 36-30 OT Carolina Panthers Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 at 4:25 p.m. W 38-20 Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET L 14-34 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET W 31-26 Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET W 27-21 New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET L 20-17 Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 at 4:05 p.m. ET L 38-6 Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET L 13-17 Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET L 42-21 Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Dec. 16, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. ET W 15-9 New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET W 31-7 Washington Commanders Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET L 30-24 OT Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET Get Tickets The offense will go as far as the arm of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. In the wings, and over his shoulder, will be rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who the Falcons drafted in the first round.
“Kirk is trying to win a Super Bowl,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “Kirk is in full-blow preparation mode to set the Atlanta Falcons up for the best success that they could possibly have.”
Said wide receiver Drake London: “He’s an all-around pro. He does everything right — off the field, on the field.”
For his part, Penix has made it clear that he just wants to learn from one of the best.
“I’m super, super blessed to be able to right here in this position right now, obviously with a veteran in front of me,” Penix said at rookie minicamp in Flowery Branch, Georgia. “Just learning from him and going about my business each and every day. Just trying to find ways to improve and get to where he is: multiple years in the league. That’s what I want.”
Week 1: Chicago Bears 18, Falcons 10
The Falcons offense looked listless on Sept. 8 against the Chicago Bears, losing 18-10 after committing three costly turnovers. Two of those were interceptions by Kirk Cousins. Even still, former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan says that you can’t judge a book by their first game.
Week 2: Philadelphia 21, Falcons 22
The Falcons escaped Philly with a one-point win in primetime, edging the Eagles 21-21 behind a last-minute drive engineered by Kirk Cousin.
Week 3: Kansas City 22, Falcons 17
The Falcons fell 22-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that was marred by several questionable calls by the officials.
Week 4: Saints 24, Falcons 26
The Atlanta special teams came up big as the Falcons defeated the Saints 26-24 in Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Week 5: Falcons 36, Tampa 30
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Bucs 36-30 in overtime in a duel between Tampa’s Baker Mayfield and Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins.
Week 6: Atlanta 38, Carolina 20
Atlanta’s offense shined in its 38-20 win over the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.
Week 7: Falcons 14, Seahawks 34
Kirk Cousin played his worst game as a Falcon, tossing two interceptions and a fumble against the Seattle Seahawks.
Week 8: Falcons 31, Bucs 26
The Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26 for the second time in three weeks as Kirk Cousins threw four touchdowns.
Week 9: Falcons 27, Cowboys 21
Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards as the Falcons used a ball control attack that kept the Cowboys offense off the field. At one point, Cousins completed 13 straight passes in throwing a 9-yard touchdown to Drake London, a 36-yarder to Darnell Mooney and an 11 yarder to Ray-Ray McCloud.
Read the 5 keys to victory over the Cowboys.
Falcons 17, Saints 20
New Orleans led by double-digits twice in the game, but the Falcons stormed back to make it a three-point game. Younghoe Koo failed to convert on three field goals, which allow New Orleans to hold onto the lead.
Denver 38, Falcons 6
In the worst outing of the season, the Falcons got walloped in Denver 38 to 6 by the Broncos. The normally reliable pass defense of the Falcons let Bo Nix complete 85% of his passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Cousins threw for 173 yards and an interception.
Chargers 17, Falcons 13
Kirk Cousins continued to regress, throwing four interceptions in a frustratingly winnable game at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The Falcons defense did not give up a touchdown. But at least “Madea” was there.
Falcons 21, Vikings 42
The Falcons defense gave us 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter as the Vikings pulled away on Sunday, Dec. 8 to send Atlanta to its fourth straight loss.
Falcons 15, Raiders 9
The Falcons beat the Raiders 15-9 in Las Vegas on Monday Night, but it didn’t look good. The Falcons had to bat down a hail mary in the closing seconds to secure the win. Days later, Atlanta would replace Cousins as the starting quarterback.
Falcons 31, Giants 7
Penix completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and one interception, though the pick wasn’t his doing. In the second quarter, he connected with tight end Kyle Pitts near the end zone, which was sure to be a touchdown, but Pitts bobbled the ball into the air, allowing Giants cornerback Cor’Dale Flott to make the interception.
Final Word
The Falcons have a good chance to win the NFC South, but it’s going to take effort from everyone.
When it comes to sports and exercise, you should always make time. That’s why AtlantaFi.com wants to help you with your journey. Check out how to make a home gym for cheap and even lose pounds in a hurry.
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After witnessing the Atlanta Falcons offense struggle for multiple weeks, the organization has finally did what many fans concluded weeks ago: Rookie Michael Penix deserves to play. He’ll get his shot.
Atlanta Falcons (7-7) are making a change at quarterback, replacing Kirk Cousins with Michael Penix Jr. as the starter for Week 16, the team announced Tuesday night.
“After careful consideration, we’ve decided that Michael Penix will be our starting quarterback moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This decision is purely a football one, and our focus now is on preparing for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
The news follows the Falcons’ numerous struggles over the past month, including Monday Night against a hapless Las Vegas Raiders team.
Morris being asked about the team’s quarterback situation earlier in the day, where he emphasized the need for improved play at the position.
While the Falcons secured a 15-9 victory over the Raiders on Monday Night Football, their offensive struggles and lack of production overshadowed the win, which ended a four-game losing streak. Atlanta failed to reach the red zone despite good field position on several drives, and the team’s overall offensive performance has been a concern for weeks.
The calls to replace Cousins had grown deafening over the past few weeks, even as stalwart fans and insiders like Matt Ryan continued to make excuses for him.
Cousins, who led the NFL in passing yards earlier in the season, has struggled significantly since late October. Over the past five games, he has thrown nine interceptions—part of a total of 16 for the season, which leads the league. In that same span, he has thrown just one touchdown pass, and the Falcons have won only once.
“We haven’t played well at quarterback, and that’s been a big part of our struggles,” Morris said Tuesday. “We didn’t play well there on Monday either. I want to be transparent about it. There will always be questions about the head coach and the quarterback position. We have to be better. It’s as simple as that. We need to play better if we want to win against the Giants.”
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The Georgia Bulldogs have released its 2025 schedule, and it’s a doozy. The expanded Southeastern Conference means that the Bulldogs have one of the toughest schedules in college football.
Let’s take a look at Georgia’s SEC opponents as well as its out-of-conference opponents.
Here Is Georgia’s 2025 Football Schedule
Opponent Date Marshall August 30 Austin Peay Sept. 6 @ Tennessee Sept. 13 Bye Sept. 20 Alabama Sept. 27 Kentucky Oct. 4 @ Auburn Oct. 11 Ole Miss Oct. 18 Bye Oct. 25 Florida (@ Jacksonville) Nov. 1 @# Mississippi State Nov. 8 Texas Nov. 15 Charlotte Nov. 22 @ Georgia Tech Nov. 29 Why Is the Georgia Bulldogs 2025 Schedule So Tough?
The Georgia Bulldogs’ 2025 football schedule is considered notably tough due to several key factors:
1. Conference Competition
Georgia plays in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its strong football programs. In 2025, they are set to face high-caliber opponents such as Alabama and Texas. Alabama, in particular, is consistently ranked among the top teams nationally, and the addition of Texas to the SEC elevates the competition further.
2. Key Matchups
he schedule features demanding matchups, with significant games against traditional rivals and top-tier programs. For instance, hosting Texas on November 15 is a marquee game that garners attention and adds to the intensity of the season.
3. Road Games
The Bulldogs have difficult road games, including a matchup against Tennessee. Playing away at strong venues poses unique challenges, impacting performance and overall win-loss potential.
4. Depth of Schedule
The SEC is characterized by its overall depth, and many other opponents on Georgia’s schedule will likely be competitive, as the conference is known for year-in-and-year-out being one of the toughest in college football. This adds cumulative difficulty to the schedule, as every game is critical and no opponent can be taken lightly.
Final Word
There is plenty of pressure on Georgia and Coach Kirby Smart, but they will rise to the task.
As recent national champions, Georgia will face the challenge of being the team to beat. Opponents will approach the games with heightened motivation, making it more difficult for Georgia to replicate past successes. Overall, the combination of strong SEC opponents, critical matchups, and the challenges of road games will contribute to the toughness of the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2025 football schedule.
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